Our Fitness Blog

Cardio & Strength Training: Why They Are Equally Important

I will be completely honest. When I first became interested in health and fitness, there were so many things I didn’t know about it. I started off thinking, “If I just get myself to the gym to do a little bit of cardio and follow a few instructions on these machines, I have gotten my exercise in for the day!”

A lot of people that are working out to reach their fitness goals, but they are unsure as to what it is exactly they are working out. I can safely assume that there are quite a few people out there that assume cardio is better for your body than strength training and vice versa.

When reaching fitness goals, most people tend to favor one over the other.

People who want to shed pounds try to avoid the weights because they believe lifting weights will do just the opposite. This is a very common belief to women. We think that lifting weights will only make us bulky when we just want to be thinner.

One thing I have learned is that muscle growth is a very long process. It takes full commitment of the right nutrition and exercise program in order to get to the point of becoming “bulky.”

Exercisers who prefer strength training typically try to avoid cardio to prevent any weight or muscle loss. Cardio exercises will only burn muscle when you give it no other choice. Balance in your training and in your diet, will prevent muscle loss.

To put it much more simple, a healthy combination of strength AND cardio training will allow your body to perform at its best.

The best training programs have elements of bothaerobic and anaerobic training, and I believe the important factors for reaching your fitness goals are:

Pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone

Eating enough (not too much) to recover

Resting enough between your workouts

It wasn’t until I joined 9Round that I realized the benefits of incorporating both into my daily exercise routine. An effective workout that provides both cardio and strength training, all in just 30 minutes. The trainers will help motivate you to push your body to its full potential. The nutritional guide will get you on the right track of eating right, and all you have to do is make sure you are getting proper rest to recover.

I have been a member for almost a year now, and I have not gotten “bulky,” (although I have gained muscle) but I haven’t lost any of my muscle gained. It truly is a perfect work out, and not just for me but for ANYONE.